THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: State government has issued special instructions in the wake of Onam festival season. Principal secretary of the revenue department has issued an order in this regard. The order strictly prohibits celebrations at public places and crowded ‘sadhya’ events. It also bans exhibition cum shopping festivals which are usually held during Onam.

The order has also specifically asked people to avoid floral decorations (pookalam) and not buy flowers from outside the state. The order will be passed on to lower levels of administration after a meeting with collectors.

In containment zones, shops are allowed to functions from 7 am to 9 pm. The Government has called for a meeting with traders to discuss shopping norms to be put in place following COVID-19 protocol. Traders are directed to allow customers according to the size of the shop and they should also exhibit a board specifying the number of maximum customer that could be allowed inside. Masks are compulsory for both traders and customers. Sanitiser should be kept at the entrance of every shop. As there are chances for crowd formation in Onam market, govt has directed authorities to set up temporary common markets.

The order further states that specified physical distance should be maintained at all public places and trained staff should be employed to ensure that the people follow these norms.